Pope Leo XIV Closes France Visit with Mass at Metz Cathedral

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz on Monday, bringing his visit to France to a close. The service was his final engagement in the country before his departure later in the day.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, were seated inside the cathedral for the occasion, and the pope walked past the president as he made his way to the altar.

In his homily, delivered in French, the pope reflected on the consequences of vengeance and retaliation. He asked what such attitudes bring about both in the world and within individuals, and what future they hold for humanity. Addressing those he described as children of a land once torn apart by fratricidal conflicts, he said it was not true that those who seek revenge are stronger than those who forgive, that those who refuse to yield are stronger than those who seek reconciliation, or that those who walk away are stronger than those who face the challenge of walking together.

He went on to say that Metz and the surrounding Moselle region bear witness to the whole world that reconciliation is possible only when one has the courage to break the chains of resentment. He added that it takes strength and integrity not to be overwhelmed by evil, particularly when wounds are deep, and that humanity's only path to salvation in the face of injustice is a love that cares for others and offers trust regardless of circumstances.

The Cathedral of St. Stephen, known in French as Saint-Etienne, was completed in 1522 and is regarded as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, noted for its soaring vaults and stained-glass windows. Some of the glasswork was later designed by Marc Chagall, the 20th-century Jewish artist. The coloured glass has earned the building the nickname "Lanterne du Bon Dieu", or "The Good Lord's Lantern".

During the service, the pope celebrated the Eucharist and congregants took part in communion, while members of the clergy looked on.